Arteriovenous malformations (AVM)

The Valley Hospital neurointerventional experts have the training, expertise and technology to treat Arteriovenous malformations (AVM). Typically this condition is treated with a procedure known as Onyx embolization. Other techniques of embolization can involve “glue” techniques with NBCA or particle embolization.

Arteriovenous malformations, or AVMs, affect about 300,000 Americans. They may show up anywhere in the body, but can have significant effects when they occur in the brain.

AVMs are believed to develop while still in the womb or soon after birth. These tangled arteries and veins disrupt the normal passage of blood from arteries to veins.

Arteries are responsible for carrying blood containing oxygen from the heart to the brain. Veins then carry blood with less oxygen away from the brain and back to the heart. When an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is present, a tangle of blood vessels in or around the brain bypasses the normal brain tissue and directly diverts blood from the arteries to the veins.

These abnormal and weak blood vessels may eventually burst from the high pressure of blood flow from the arteries, causing bleeding into the brain.

AVMs can affect anyone, but they are rare. There are a few genetic diseases that can be associated with an AVM, ie Osler Weber Rendu and Wyburn Mason Syndrome.